Macro-friendly ice cream? I don’t blame you for side-eyeing those brands at the grocery store.
Ice cream is amazing because it’s, well, ice cream—heavy cream, milk, and sugar blended and frozen to smooth perfection. Without the sugar, the carbs, and the fat, you’d need some special technology to make ice cream still taste good, right?
I took the hit for you and completed my own scientific study scoop by scoop. As a devout ice cream lover (you’ll always have my heart, Ben and Jerry), the results surprised me! Have we reached the age when ice cream and weight loss can happily coexist? Continue reading to find out…
180 calories, 13g fat, 9g net carbs, 3g protein
At just 180 calories a bar, these frozen treats are the perfect portion in a package. While this brand doesn’t bring the most balanced macronutrients, its ingredients are impressively healthy, including ones like almonds, cocoa, and sea salt.
Nut lovers will enjoy the super-crunchy texture. You’ll feel as healthy as you can munching this plant-based ice cream bar full of natural flavor.
330 calories, 1g fat, 58g net carbs, 22g protein
Each of these fudge pops is only 80 calories, so why not eat the whole box? Four Yasso bars contain about the same macros as the pints of other ice cream brands on the list!
Ingredients like Greek yogurt and milk protein give these treats their super fudgy and creamy texture. If you haven’t tried Yasso yet, you’ll be hooked.
460 calories, 15g fat, 60g net carbs, 27g protein
This pint is packed with gooey cookie and brownie bites! But the rich and creamy chocolate ice cream base is good enough to eat on its own. Made with greek yogurt, one pint offers plenty of protein. It’s the perfect indulgent treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
610 calories, 54g fat, 51g net carbs, 7g protein
Have you tried Cold Stone Creameries’ Cake Batter ice cream? This is the ultimate dupe. The creamy cake base tastes like batter swirled with vanilla icing. Some say it tastes like iced vanilla cookies. One pint is loaded with dense cake bits. The color alone (a cheery pink) is enough to send you straight back to childhood summer birthday parties at your best friend’s house!
Rebel Ice Cream is the lowest glycemic index ice cream on the market. That means that after indulging in Rebel ice cream, your blood sugar and insulin levels won’t spike. Nearly all of the calories in these ice creams come from the fat, giving this low-carb, low-sugar treat rich flavor.
270 calories, 5g fat, 36g net carbs, 15g protein
After one bite, you’ll see why Halo Top is at the top of the list. Their Strawberry light ice cream is packed full of fruity flavor.
It may take you back to childhood and memories of sipping on cold strawberry milk. With a creamy and soft texture, you won’t understand how they skimmed the calories down to 270 per pint.
370 calories, 14g fat, 36g net carbs, 21g protein
You’ll always find Favorite Day in my freezer—this flavor and S’mores are like low-calorie crack. Favorite Day’s Mocha Cold Brew isn’t for the faint at heart. Coffee junkies will lose their minds over it, though. Bitter coffee bean, rich and creamy base, and a delightful crunch—you’ll feel like you’re eating Baskin-Robbins.
Ice Cream FAQs
Ice cream for weight loss? This concept is too new to feel true. I’m sure you have questions, here are some frequently asked ones.
Is There a Way to Enhance the Creaminess?
Yes! These brands of ice cream have a firmer texture when you first take them out of the freezer. Let them sit out on the counter and soften for 10-15 minutes to develop a smoother and creamier texture before digging in.
Are there any dairy-free brands good for weight loss?
Can’t do lactose? Both Favorite Day and Halo Top have dairy-free options. Give them a try!
Are sugar alcohols bad for you?
Sugar alcohols are derived from plants and are mainly used in food manufacturing. They are easy to find on the food label because they all end in “-ol” mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, and maltitol to name a few.
Some people experience digestive troubles, like diarrhea, bloating, gas, and cramping after having a lot of sugar alcohols. Enjoy these ice creams as a treat, not your main course. Look for brands with erythritol. This sugar alcohol looks to be the best in the bunch if you have to pick one! It has basically no calories and causes no GI distress. It will not raise your blood sugar or insulin levels.
Can I Still Eat Real Ice Cream and Lose Weight?
Reaching your weight loss goals and then keeping that weight off is about balance (all foods fit). You never have to completely give up Ben & Jerry’s or Graeter’s as an occasional treat. But for your day-to-day dessert needs, you can lose or maintain weight by finding those healthier swaps that keep you consistent!
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